Thinking Maps

We have implemented Thinking Maps throughout our entire school for students to use in all curricular areas. We have focused the most around their use with our Writing, but we are also using this style of thought organization whenever it fits naturally.

So what are Thinking Maps? It is a focused way to organize thought. Students are taught eight different ways to organize their ideas. See each style below.

Circle Map
Defining a Concept

Bubble MapDescribing with Adjectives

Define

Brainstorm

List

Identify

Tell Everything They Know

"What does _____ mean?"
"Can you define _____?"

Describe Using Adjectives

Identify Characteristics

Identify Properties

Identify Qualities

"How would you describe_____?"

Double Bubble Map
Comparing and Contrasting

Tree Map
Classifying

Identifying Similarities and Differences

Differentiate Between Characters or Objects

Analyze Comparisons and Contrasts

"How are ___ and ___ alike/different?"

To Classify

To Characterize

To Sort or Group

To Give Sufficient and Related Details

For Convergent and Divergent Thinking

"What is the main idea of_____?"
"What are the supporting details?"

Flow MapSequencing

Multi-flow MapCause and Effect

Sequence Steps, Stages, or Events

Order Information

Analyze Patterns

"How would you demonstrate the steps for solving _____?"

Causes or Effects

Impacts and/or Benefits

Reasons and/or Results

"What is the impact of the author's point of view on _____?"
"How would you evaluate the arguments and claims in ____?"

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